It is no surprise that the Korean War has been largely forgotten, as it's had little historical impact on culture, movies, or books. The 1970 movie and television show (1972-1983) “M*A*S*H” about a medical unit in Korea is an exception and was mostly about irreverent doctors and finding comedy in the horrors of war. The TV show also tackled serious issues like depression, PTSD, conscious objection, and stupidity of military command. However, even 50 years after the Korean War it continues to spawn movies such as Devotion, a true story about a US Navy pilot Jesse Brown, the first Black Naval aviator, and his friendship with fellow pilot, Medal of Honor recipient Tom Hudner. Despite coming from different backgrounds, these men proudly fought together throughout the dangerous battles of the war. Brown’s plane crashed on an icy mountain slope and Hudner crash-landed to try to save Brown.

Many Korean War stories will never be told. Wedged between the end of World War II and Vietnam, it is easy to overlook the firsts and lessons learned from the Korean War which ran from June 1950 through July 1953. North Korea’s support by China and the Soviet Union was balanced off by the United Nations (UN) Command which was led by the United States. The split peninsula was the outgrowth of WWII. Korea, which had been a Japanese colony for 35 years, was liberated and then divided by the Soviet Union and the US at the 38th parallel into two occupation zones. After political attempts for an independent and unified Korea stalled, each zone formed its own government in 1948. This split was untenable for North Korean leadership and that led to the crossing of the 38th parallel line starting the war and catching the world by surprise. The combat ended on 27 July 1953 when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, allowing the exchange of prisoners and the creation of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The conflict displaced millions of people, inflicting 3 million fatalities and a larger proportion of civilian deaths than World War II or the Vietnam War.

Air Operations and Power

Two years after WWII, the US Air Force became a separate military element. It had been in existence less than three years since the new element was tested by the Korean War. While the UN and USAF had air superiority, war planners had to figure out how to use it. One consideration was to support South Korea without drawing the Soviets into an air war. However, infrastructure such as railroads, ports, hydroelectric dams, and fuel depots that were north of the 38th were key targets.

This foreign war resulted in phrases like “MiG Alley” and “Chosin Reservoir” making their way into the military lexicon. MiG Alley was the name given by UN pilots during the Korean War to the northwestern portion of North Korea, where the Yalu River empties into the Yellow Sea. It was the site of numerous dogfights between UN fighter pilots and their opponents from North Korea (including some unofficially crewed by Soviet airmen) and the People's Republic of China. Soviet-built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 were the aircraft used during most of the conflict, and the area's nickname was derived from them. It was the site of the first large-scale jet-vs.-jet air battles, with the North American F-86 Sabre. MiG Alley was where Navy pilot Lt. Royce Williams took on seven soviet pilots in successful dogfights earning the Navy Cross.

Chosin Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the northeast of the Korean peninsula. A fierce battle took place in this frozen area of North Korea in late November-early December 1950. Nearly 100,000 men, Chinese, Korean, U.S., and U.N., died or were wounded in this battle. That battle remains as a significant brick in Marine Corps history. The epic battle has been the subject of movies and documentaries such as “Chosin” in 2010. The air support supplied by the Navy and Marines was instrumental so that the US forces, which were numbers 10:1, did not get overrun.

Air Psych Operations & Lit Drops

The war planners had at their disposal South Korean military personnel who were willing and available to enter the North and conduct intelligence gathering and kinetic operations. But such operations were neither simple nor guaranteed to be successful. There were basic problems like language, unfamiliarity with parachuting tactics, counter-espionage, lack of food and supplies, etc. Also, American air crews were not familiar with the terrain which was mountainous and subject to visibility inhibiting weather.

The initial and straightforward special air operations were psych warfare. The Air Force carried out psychological warfare against the communists with leaflet drops and loudspeaker broadcasts over North Korea. These missions often targeted the enemy's will to fight by enticing them to surrender or face annihilation. This was a real concern in the North as the US had dropped two nuclear bombs just years before. That horror was fresh in the enemy soldiers’ minds. Some leaflets and broadcasts also warned civilians to leave an area for their own safety.

During the Korean War, leaflets, known as ppira in Korea, were a primary weapon in the psychological warfare arsenal. The United States and South Korean forces dropped billions of these leaflets over North Korea and occupied areas of South Korea.

The primary purposes were to: (i) demoralize the North Koreans by highlighting the superiority of Allied forces, the harsh conditions faced by North Korean and Chinese soldiers, and the promise of better treatment if they surrendered. and (ii) encourage defections offering rewards, amnesty, and promises of a better life to those who surrendered. Some specific examples of leaflet content include:

• Promises of food, clothing, and medical care for surrendering soldiers.
• Depictions of the harsh conditions faced by North Korean and Chinese troops, such as lack of food and supplies.
• Exposing the atrocities committed by the Communist regime.
• Promoting democratic values and the benefits of a free society.
• Providing information about Allied military successes.

Leaflets often included vivid images and cartoons to reinforce the messages. The effectiveness of such propaganda leaflets can be debated but have been used in every war.

Partisans - Supply and Drops

Airborne Special Operations developed into more robust and traditional uses as the war planners settled in. Baker Section was the name of the Eighth US Army Guerrilla and Special Airborne Operation Activity. Its activities, and failure, proceeded with Operation Aviary. Operation Aviary consisted of flights over designated areas of interest where agents and partisans were dropped behind enemy lines. The Aviary team was associated with the 8240th Army Unit.

Operation Aviary was a top-secret mission during the Korean War to insert South Korean agents and guerillas into North Korea. The missions took place from 1950–1953 and involved multiple types of aircraft, partisans, guerillas, and the Air Force:

1. U.S. Aircrews flew at low altitudes at night in mountain valleys using C-46s, C-47s, B-26s, C-119s, B-29s, UH-19 helicopters, SA-16 amphibians, and Air Force crash boats.
2. The U.S. Air Force relayed radio messages and dropped supplies.
3. Partisans sabotaged infrastructures, attacked enemy forces, and gathered intelligence.
4. Guerrillas disrupted the enemy and provided warnings of attacks.

The risks of these missions for the aircrews and partisans were substantial. Air Force aircrews orbited above the partisans at prearranged times to relay radio messages and drop supplies. This made the planes susceptible to attack and gave a general indication of the location of troops on the ground. If a guerilla survived the mission, they made their way back to friendly lines on foot, something less than 70% succeeded in doing.

During the Korean War, the first combat employment of U.S. Army Special Forces occurred in collaboration with North Korean partisan units, known as WOLFPACKS and DONKEYS. These partisans, advised by Americans, raided the enemy from islands off both coasts of the Korean Peninsula. Special Forces soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group advised the partisans and conducted unconventional warfare operations on the mainland.

Because of US air power, the North Koreans moved primarily at night to avoid swift and deadly attacks. At the same time, it was extremely dangerous to attempt to drop supplies or men into the mountains at night. Thus, these Airborne Special Operations were often carried out in daylight increasing the risk profile. The operations resulted in missed drop zones, plane crashes, and failed missions.

The extent of these operations was summarized in the following chart prepared by Colonel Douglas C. Dillard, USA Ret.

The heroes of these 389 air missions resulted in a number of Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Distinguished Flying Crosses

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration awarded to officers and enlisted members of the United States Armed Forces. It is given to individuals who distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The DFC can be awarded for:

1. Heroism: Performing an act of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
2. Achievement: Accomplishing an outstanding act or series of acts of achievement, but not necessarily involving heroism, that are recognized as exceptional and far above the normal performance expected of an aircrew member.

The award is intended to recognize significant acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement, emphasizing the distinguished nature of the performance. The DFC is a prestigious honor and reflects highly on the valor, skill, and dedication of the recipient.

Military awards, like the Distinguished Flying Cross, keep the names and heroics alive. Again, Korea is not the focus of many military books or movies. For example, little is known about two Korean DFC recipients, Palmer and Chada. DFC recipient Albritton had a notable mission involving a daring rescue operation where he piloted a helicopter to evacuate wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire, showcasing his bravery and skill. Albritton's actions exemplified the valor and dedication of military personnel during the Korean War, highlighting the critical role of air support and evacuation missions in saving lives and supporting ground operations. His contributions, particularly in the dangerous and challenging environment of the Korean conflict, earned him a place among the honored recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

More well-known is DFC recipient Dillard. It does help he wrote the 2007 book “Operation Aviary”. Douglas Dillard served as a key figure in military intelligence during the Korean War. He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Dillard played a crucial role in gathering and analyzing intelligence, which was vital for the planning and execution of military operations.

The citation of Palmer, Chada, Albritton and Dillard are as follows:

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS AWARDED
TO
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS RALPH PALMER

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS RALPH K. PALMER distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a jumpmaster attached to the 6167th Operations Squadron, Far East Air Forces, on June 22, 1953.

On that date, Sergeant Palmer flew on an SA-16 type aircraft on a classified night mission of great importance to the United Nations effort in Korea. After penetrating deep into enemy territory, the aircraft was subjected to heavy automatic weapons and antiaircraft fire. However, Sergeant Palmer's fast and positive identification of the target despite adverse weather conditions and enemy opposition enabled the crew to complete the operation with minimum risk to the crew and aircraft.

Demonstrating high personal courage and realizing the importance of the mission, Sergeant Palmer performed his duties on the aircraft in a professional manner, directly assisting the crew in the successful completion of the mission. Through his outstanding airmanship and unselfish devotion to duty, Sergeant Palmer reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Army.

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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS AWARDED
TO
SERGEANT ORLANDO W. CHADA

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to Sergeant Orlando W. Chada for distinguishing himself during covert operations at the Yellow Sea, between North Korea and China. Sergeant Chada completed his mission, while receiving heavy enemy fire against his aircraft.

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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS AWARDED
TO
FIRST LIEUTENANT DOUGLAS C. DILLARD

On May 11, 1952, FIRST LIEUTENANT DOUGLAS C. DILLARD, displayed extraordinary skill, devotion to duty, and inspirational leadership while participating in aerial flight over enemy territory. He acted as observer and jumpmaster on a night flight, over 200 miles behind enemy lines in an unarmed cargo type C-46 aircraft. The target was located in an area where many known antiaircraft gun positions were placed. The target was located in an area where many known antiaircraft gun positions were placed. The success of the mission depended upon the jumpmaster pin-pointing the target and dropping the paratroopers on the drop zone. As the aircraft began its letdown into the target area, it was subjected to heavy antiaircraft fire and was hit several times by flak, inflicting heavy damage to the aircraft. At this time the paratroopers became excited and tried to jump from the aircraft. lieutenant dillard placed himself in the open jump door and held the paratroopers from jumping. At the same time, he gave instructions to the pilot which greatly aided his evasive action as well as locating the proper DZ. Lieutenant Dillard remained calm during this action and finally jumped the paratroopers on the pin pointed DZ. The successful completion of this mission was a direct result of Lieutenant Dillard's knowledge of the terrain and his instructions to the pilot. Lieutenant Dillard's devotion to duty, and professional skill is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and the United States Air Force.

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These are only a few of the men who supported the special operations in Korea. Operation Aviary involved coordinated air operations designed to weaken the enemy's infrastructure, logistics, and ability to wage war. These operations played a critical role in several ways:

1. Interdiction of Supply Lines: By targeting supply routes, bridges, and transportation networks, Operation Aviary aimed to disrupt the flow of troops, weapons, and supplies to North Korean and Chinese forces. This helped to diminish their operational capabilities.
2. Air Superiority: Maintaining control of the skies was crucial. Air operations like Aviary aimed to establish and maintain air superiority, ensuring that UN forces could operate with reduced threat from enemy aircraft.
3. Strategic Bombing: Targeting key industrial and military installations weakened the enemy's war-making potential. These bombings aimed to cripple the production of war materials and reduce the enemy's capacity to sustain prolonged conflict.
4. Close Air Support: Providing close air support to ground troops helped to enhance their effectiveness in combat. Air operations could directly influence the outcome of ground battles by providing immediate and powerful support to UN forces engaged in combat.
5. Psychological Impact: Sustained air operations had a demoralizing effect on enemy forces. The constant threat of aerial attacks and the destruction of key assets could lower enemy morale and combat effectiveness.

Overall, operations like Aviary were integral to the broader strategy of exerting pressure on enemy forces, disrupting their operations, and supporting ground forces in achieving tactical and strategic objectives during the Korean War. While not the stuff of movies, the war effort was strengthened by these operations.